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Factors associated with dog behavior problems referred to a behavior clinic
Abstract
Undesirable behaviors are common in the domestic dog population. This study aimed to identify similarities and differences in characteristics underlying 2 major groups of behavioral problems, and their treatment outcome. The study focused on 335 dogs that visited a Behavioral Clinic in northern Italy between 2013 and 2016. These cases were categorized into 2 broad groups based on the diagnosis: an “aggressive” group (behavioral pathologies involving aggression) and an “anxious” group (behavioral pathologies not primarily involving aggression). Each dog underwent a behavior consultation made by a veterinary specialist who used a basic history questionnaire focused on all aspects of dog's behavior, management, and health issue. Several variables were selected from the questionnaires collected. We found a statistical association of the behavioral problem with factors such as size, sex, age, time of onset, dogs' resting place, family composition, and mounting behaviors involving people (P ≤ 0.05). Small- and medium-sized dogs were mainly “anxious” instead of “aggressive”; male dogs were mostly “aggressive” and female dogs (neutered and intact) were mainly “anxious”; dogs adopted from pet shops were all anxious. On average, “aggressive” dogs exhibited the problem 4 months after adoption. “Anxious” dogs exhibited the problem within 1 week of adoption. The resting place and diagnosis were statistically related (P ≤ 0.05): the 20% of dogs that slept on owners' bed were mainly “anxious” dogs (78% of these). Sixty-five percent of “anxious” dogs and 33% of “aggressive” dogs showed mounting behaviors toward people. Most (72.3%) (N = 242/335) of the dogs improved after behavior treatment. “Aggressive” dogs (96%, N = 232/242) improved more than “anxious” ones (4%; N = 10/242) (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, owners of dogs with anxiety problems were significantly more prone to surrender the dog to a shelter or other people (P ≤ 0.05). Our work supports some previous findings and suggests some new information regarding factors associated with broad scale aggression and anxiety in domestic dogs. Anxiety problems appear more difficult and demanding for dog owners. A referral population is not likely representative of the entire population of dogs. To understand patterns of behavioral problems, we need more complete population data and we need data from dogs across their lifetime.
... Research shows body size, skull shape, distance between eyes are related to dog behavior (Helton and Helton, 2010;McGreevy et al., 2013). Cannas et al., (2018) stated that body size, gender and age affect dog behavior. Similarly, recent research at the University of Sydney further proves Coppinger's theory, which suggests that the size and shape of a dog's skull are important factors in shaping behavior. ...
... There is a correlation between body size, sex, and age with dog behavior. Dogs are small in size and generally "anxious" rather than "aggressive"; male dogs are mostly "aggressive" and female dogs (neutered and intact) are mostly "anxious"; dogs adopted from pet shops are all anxious (Cannas et al., 2018). ...
The Balinese believe that body size (the ratio of body length to snout length) in dogs is related to behavior, therefore body size is used to predict dog character. How to predict by measuring body size is a local wisdom that is still trusted for choosing a good dog. This belief has been running for a long time from their ancestors and has become a culture. Dog behavior according to local wisdom in Bali in general and in Sukawana Village, Kintamani District, Bangli Regency in particular, is categorized as: guna, jaya, forced, tek and kyul. Guna is a dog with an obedient character, useful and suitable as a hunting dog. Jaya is a dog with good character, attractive, energetic, tends to be hyperactive, this type of dog is also good for hunting. Force is a dog that is difficult to manage, requiring special handling, suitable for keeping the house. Tek is a dog with dirty behavior and difficult to train or manage and Kyul is a dog with a lazy character. A total of 66 Kintamani dogs were used as experimental animals. The research design used a cross-sectional study design. Body size observation data was then compared with clinical observations in the same dog. The results show that there is a relationship between behavior and body size (ratio of body length to snout length). It was concluded that body size (body length to snout length ratio) can be implemented to predict behavior.
... From 1997 to 2017, approximately 70% of dogs referred to the behavioral medicine service presented for aggression and 20% for anxiety, which is similar to the overall case distribution from Bamberger and Houpt's study from 2006 [22]. Aggression is often cited as the most common presenting problem to veterinary behaviorists [30][31][32][33][34][35]. However, there is likely an inherent bias when looking at dogs presenting for referral based on the geographic location of the hospital, the specific risk the animal poses due to its size or the severity of the behavior problem, as well as the motivation and resources of the owner. ...
... However, there is likely an inherent bias when looking at dogs presenting for referral based on the geographic location of the hospital, the specific risk the animal poses due to its size or the severity of the behavior problem, as well as the motivation and resources of the owner. For example, owners may be more motivated to seek the help of a specialist for aggression over other behavioral problems, and for larger dogs specifically, due to safety concerns [31,36,37]. Additionally, barriers to seeking treatment might include financial constraints and the owner's motivation to attend the consultation and implement the recommendations [38]. ...
The purpose of this retrospective case study was to evaluate trends over time in case distribution, sources, and breeds of dogs presenting to the behavioral medicine service at a veterinary college referral hospital in the United States. For case distribution and sources, the available records from the behavior service (n = 1923) from 1997 to 2017 were evaluated. Breeds of dogs presenting to all services (n = 51,052) were compared to behavior cases (n = 822) from 2007 to 2016. Over twenty years, 72.2% of dogs presented for aggression, 20.1% for anxieties/fears/phobias, and 7.4% for miscellaneous behavioral problems. Dogs acquired from breeders decreased and dogs from shelters, rescues, or adopted as a stray increased over twenty years (p < 0.0001). The Herding (p = 0.0124) and Terrier (p < 0.0001) groups were overrepresented for behavior problems as compared to all other services over ten years. Variations in terminology and diagnostic approach made comparisons with earlier studies difficult, which underscores a need for a more consistent methodology in veterinary behavioral medicine. Understanding trends in sources of dogs could direct resources aimed at guiding owners when acquiring a pet dog and preventing behavioral problems. Findings related to breeds could help guide research focused on the genetic contributions to behavior.
... For example, dog age has been inversely associated with behaviors such as trainability and sociability (21). Male dogs have been found to exhibit higher levels of aggression and separation-related behavior compared with female dogs who tend to exhibit greater fearfulness (13,22). Considering owner characteristics, Podberscek and Serpell (18) found owners of aggressive dogs were more likely to be emotionally unstable, shy, tense and undisciplined. ...
... Several studies have shown that male dogs are more bold than female dogs, characterized by an increased willingness to play and lower frequency and intensity of fear (21,49). A greater prevalence of aggression has also been documented among male dogs while female dogs are more frequently categorized as anxious (13,22). However, inconsistencies in the literature regarding canine sex and personality indicate that further research is needed (50). ...
Human and canine parameters can affect the development of canine behavior problems, although their influence on the dog's response to veterinary behavioral treatment remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the possible associations between canine behavior following clinical intervention and canine demographic characteristics, owner personality and owner-dog attachment. The study included 131 dog-owner dyads who attended a veterinary behavioral service. Owners completed the C-BARQ at baseline, 3-months and 6-months, and the 10 Item Personality Inventory and Lexington Attachment to Pet Scale at baseline. Data were analyzed for the effect of clinical intervention on C-BARQ subscale scores using mixed effect models. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between behavior change and canine and owner parameters. Within 6-months of veterinary consultation, trainability increased (coefficient 0.03, p = 0.01) and chasing (coefficient −0.04, p = 0.02), separation-related behavior (coefficient −0.04, p = 0.01) and energy level (coefficient −0.04, p = 0.05) decreased. Treatment outcomes were associated with both canine and owner variables. Canine behavior at baseline was the most consistent predictor of behavior change with less desirable baseline behavior associated with greater odds of decreased problem behavior at three- and 6-months post-consultation across most C-BARQ subscales. Canine age and weight; owner conscientiousness, extraversion and openness; and owner-dog attachment were also associated with treatment outcomes for some behavioral categories. These findings could be used by veterinarians to formulate more accurate prognoses and provide owners with targeted advice to reduce the influence of background factors on the dog's response to clinical behavioral intervention.
... The most commonly reported undesirable behaviors among clinical samples of dogs include aggression, destructiveness, fearfulness, excessive barking, and inappropriate elimination (Vacalopoulos and Anderson, 1993;Wells and Hepper, 2000;Landsberg et al., 2003;Kim et al., 2009). These behavioral issues in dogs may depend on a number of their characteristics (e.g., age, sex, breed, size, and neuter status), as well as some environmental factors including owners' characteristics (e.g., age, sex, level of experience and education, extent of interaction with dogs, diet, personality, and area of residence), and time and dog source of adoption (Podberscek and Serpell, 1997;Landsberg et al., 2003;Overall, 2005;Yalcin and Batmaz, 2007;Messam et al., 2008;Perez-Guisado and Munoz-Serrano, 2009;Khoshnegah et al., 2011;Martinez et al., 2011;Col et al., 2016;Cannas et al., 2018). Owing to the importance of problematic behaviors in dogs, numerous articles and research findings have been published worldwide including Iran; however, no similar research has been already conducted on the prevalence and relationships of such behavioral issues in the southwest of Iran (Beaver, 1994;Bradshaw et al., 2002;Hsu and Serpell, 2003;Bowen, 2008;Khoshnegah et al., 2011;Mashhadi Rafiei et al., 2011;Menor-Campos et al., 2011;Tamimi et al., 2013). ...
... In the present study, the cause of higher prevalence of withdrawal and fearfulness in female dogs is not well understood. Some studies suggest that female dogs were rated higher than males on both phobias (Bamberger and Houpt, 2006;Cannas et al., 2018) and excessive demand for affection (Bradshaw et al., 1996), whereas aggressiveness and boldness were reported as being higher in male dogs than females (Scandurra et al., 2018). However, Overall et al. (2001) found that there was no sex difference in regard to the relative percentage of total cases of thunderstorm phobia, noise phobia, and separation anxiety. ...
Canine problematic behaviors are one of the most prevalent reasons given for referrals to small animal hospitals worldwide. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and possible variables related to 13 common problematic behaviors in 401 companion dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran. The results showed that 345 dogs (86%) had at least one problematic behavior. The main problematic behaviors reported for 345 dogs were excessive activity (38.7%), fearfulness (27.9%), destructiveness (27.2%), aggression toward unfamiliar people (23.7%) and roaming (22.4%). Small sized dogs were found to have higher fearfulness (P<0.001) and mounting and humping (P=0.005) than large sized ones. Fearfulness (P=0.008), withdrawal (P<0.001), aggression toward: unfamiliar people (P=0.003), dogs (P<0.001), and familiar people (P=0.01), respectively, and mounting and humping (P<0.001) were higher in the adult dogs than the puppies. Moreover, the female dogs were found to have higher fearfulness (P<0.001) and withdrawal (P=0.005) than the males. House soiling was significantly higher in dogs born in summer (P=0.005) and winter (P=0.008) than spring. Higher destructiveness (P=0.02) and house soiling (P<0.001) were found in dogs with a duration of ownership less than 6 months than those with more than 6 months. In the same vein, the outdoors dogs were found to have higher excessive activity (P<0.001) and aggression toward unfamiliar people (P=0.001) and dogs (P=0.005), whereas the higher fearfulness (P<0.001), withdrawal (P=0.02) and mounting and humping (P<0.001) were found in indoor dogs. Single dogs were found to have higher fearfulness (P=0.001) and mouthing and humping (P=0.004) than dogs from multi-dog homes. It is noteworthy that the higher mounting and humping was found more commonly in dogs owned by owners with academic degrees than those whose owners did not have any academic degrees (P=0.001). The findings proved the high prevalence of problematic behaviors in the studied companion dogs in the southwest of Iran. Veterinarians are expected to determine if there are any medical factors contributing to any behavior change in dogs, and decide whether their behavior change is typical, atypical, or pathological. However, dog owners should also be trained by veterinarians to know how to deal with problematic behaviors in dogs.
... Dogs small enough to be picked up and carried may be overrepresented in the population of incompletely house-trained dogs for several reasons; small dogs have a relatively high metabolism that is incommensurate with their small bladder size, and thus they may need to eliminate more frequently (Overall, 1997). In addition, small dogs may be more common in apartments and dwellings with no outdoor access; and it is difficult to get an excitable or anxious (Cannas et al., 2018) dog outside quickly without triggering urination. It is also generally easier to clean up urine and feces produced from a small dog when compared with a large dog. ...
... Studies have shown an increased correlation between separation anxiety and pets that have been rescued (Lord et al., 2008;Ogata, 2013). Results from this sort of survey might benefit from crossreferencing against concurrent behavioral diagnoses, so as to not confound interpretation of apparent failure of house-training (Elliot and Scott, 1961;Cannas et al., 2018). In addition, smaller dogs have a higher chance of having been purchased from a pet store (Arhant et al., 2010). ...
Only 25% of dog owners report receiving behavioral advice from their veterinarian. Preadoption counseling and general behavioral information sharing in routine puppy visits have been shown to significantly reduce the number of dogs that are euthanized or surrendered. Clinicians often categorize small dogs as being more difficult to house-train; however, there have been no published studies to date to confirm the veracity of this assumption. Some authors have proposed that smaller dogs have both a higher metabolism and a smaller bladder associated with more frequent urination which may lead to incomplete house-training. It is crucial to elucidate the underlying cause(s) of incomplete house-training because lack of house-training has been identified as a common reason for relinquishment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body size and completeness of house-training. An internet survey was made readily available on www.surveymonkey.com and posted on several general practice and referral center webpages and social media pages encouraging dog owners to participate. Questions regarding age at the time of adoption or purchase, level of obedience training, the role of the pet in the family, and medical disorders were included to rule in or out other contributing factors. Seven hundred thirty-five surveys submitted by private dog owners were fully completed and included in the study. A chi-square test of independence was performed which revealed a statistically significant difference between large dogs and small dogs regarding the completeness of house-training. Specifically, large dogs were more likely to be fully house-trained than small dogs. There was also a correlation between the level of training and completeness of house-training. Further research is warranted to understand why these differences are present. Clinically, this information provides knowledge which animal care professionals can use to advise clients that dogs of different sizes may require varied types and lengths of training to accomplish the goal of complete house-training.
... There have been many publications about the demographics of canine behavior problems over the years. Some of these studies use older or unique classifications of behavioral issues (Beaver, 1994;Bamberger & Houpt, 2006), were designed to be condition specific (Blackshaw & Sutton, 1994;Guy et al., 2001;Blackwell et al., 2013;Casey et al., 2013a,b;Denenberg et al., 2013;Duffy et al., 2008;Tiira et al., 2016;Kurachi et al., 2017), reflect specific or global populations (Blackwell et al., 2013;Flint et al., 2017;Kurachi et al., 2017), or represent analyses of behavior problems presented to particular clinics (Blackshaw & Sutton, 1994;Denenberg et al., 2005;Bamberger & Houpt, 2006;Cannas et al., 2018). In addition, the prevalence of behavioral diagnoses is variable with time (Bamberger & Houpt, 2006), so up-to-date prevalence studies are indicated periodically. ...
... This behavior is often associated with dogs that have separation anxiety that tend to be "escape artists"; however, our results did not support this association. Cannas et al. (2018) reported that 24.8% of dogs engaged in mounting people. Sixty-seven percent of these dogs were anxious in nature, whereas 33% were aggressive. ...
Periodic canine population studies establish essential frames of reference for analyzing trends in demographics and the prevalence of problematic behaviors. An understanding of the correlations between individual behavior problems can shed light on the pathogenesis and comorbidity of various conditions. It is our hope that the results of this substantial study will help to confirm those of previous studies, provide new data about behavior problems, and, by association, help establish their etiology. In this study, we hosted a public, online questionnaire to capture up-to-date demographic and behavior problem metrics. Surveyed problematic behaviors include fear/anxiety, aggression, jumping, excessive barking, coprophagia, obsessive-compulsive/compulsive behaviors, house soiling, rolling in repulsive materials, overactivity/hyperactivity, destructive behavior, running away/escaping, and mounting/humping. The study sample consisted of 4114 dogs, spanning mixed and pure breeds, submitted by 2480 dog owners. Male and female dogs were equally represented, a majority of which were neutered. The prevalence of canine behavior problems was 85%. We found sex, neuter status, origin, and lineage to have a notable effect on the prevalence of behavior problems. We also found age, neutered status, origin, and lineage to have a notable effect on the number of behavior problems per dog. Owners were asked to provide details of any behavior problem they reported such as intensity, frequency, and situation in which the behavior problem occurred. We examined the problematic behaviors in terms of their overall prevalence, and characteristics, and computed correlations between the various behavior problems. The findings from our study provide insight into the magnitude of owner-reported canine behavior problems encountered by owners and hopefully will encourage veterinarians to further incorporate aspects of behavior problem management into their daily work.
... A genetic predisposition to express particular patterns of behaviour together with unfavourable lifestyle factors may cause unwanted behaviours (e.g. aggression towards people, separation anxiety) that can have negative consequences for both owner (Casey et al., 2014) and dog (Rooney and Bradshaw, 2014;Roth et al., 2016) and in some cases lead to relinquishment of affected dogs to animal shelters or other homes (Cannas et al., 2017;Salman et al., 2000). ...
... There are presumably additional factors and experiences that contribute to behavioural differences between dogs, e.g. whether the resting place was a dog basket, the sofa or the owner's bed (Cannas et al., 2017), the style of playful interaction with the owner (McGreevy and Masters, 2008), and even the owner's personality (Dodman et al., 2018), that were not assessed in this study. ...
As companion animals, a dog's lifestyle is mainly determined by its owner. Discrepancies between the dog's preferences and the owner's lifestyle might lead to the occurrence of unwanted behaviours that affect both the owner-dog relationship and the dog's welfare. The aim of this study was to identify behavioural traits that are characteristic of German Shepherd dogs (GSDs), and to analyse the relation between behavioural traits and demographic and management factors. Dog owners from the UK and Sweden were asked to complete two surveys, the established C-BARQ behavioural survey and a lifestyle survey developed for the study. A principal component analysis was applied to determine behavioural components for GSDs. Fifteen components were found to sufficiently explain the variance in the responses to C-BARQ, with the components Stranger-directed aggression and Dog-directed aggression explaining the greatest proportion of the variance in the data (12% and 10%, respectively). Linear models were then applied to assess the relationship between behaviour components and lifestyle factors using backward elimination to identify the model that best predicted the behaviour component. The cohort (UK or Sweden) and the age of the dog were associated with the highest number of behaviour components. This study showed that various demographic and management factors were associated with the expression of behavioural traits in GSDs. Results from this analyses may help to understand the interaction between the expression of external factors and dog behavioural traits and thus, improve the well-being of dogs and owners by reducing problem behaviours.
... If owners do not recognize fear, it can cause other behavioral problems, such as aggression which threatens human safety (Flint et al. 2018). Undesirable behaviors are common in the domestic dog population (Cannas et al. 2018). Domestic dogs are highly social animals and relationship between conspecifics is integral part of their environment. ...
General and social acceptance, condition, and rules for dog ownership in Iran are different from western countries. So, this phenomenon leads dissimilar fear and fear evoking stimuli in dogs. So, stress and fear‑related factors and dog's behavioral problems is not fully studied in Iran. Thus, the aim of the current study was to measuring fear‑related factors in dogs in Iran. In the first part of this study demographic information of the owners and dogs were collected using questionnaire from clinics and veterinary hospitals in Tehran. In the second part behavioral tests was done. Questionnaire data were recorded based on 4 items as neuroticism, fear caused by other dogs, fear caused by human and separation behavior. The social contact test was used to determine dog's experience for greeting, cooperation, and handling. According to the results, 69.3% of the dog owners were women and 30.7% men. 84.1% of the dogs were small breeds and 15.9% large‑breed dogs. 63.6% of the owner's complained for impact of laws and prohibitions on their dogs' access to outdoor. The score for greeting, cooperation and handling were 1.76 ± ± 0.93, 3.06 ± 1.25 and 2.44 ± 1.21, respectively. Mean score for neuroticism, fear caused by other dogs, fear caused by human and separation behavior were 29.69 ± 9.24, 14.75 ± 5.38, 9.84 ± 4.05 and 6.57 ± 3.05, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed fear using neuroticism, fear caused by other dogs and human were 1st fear related factor while separation‑related behavior was the 2nd priority (P = 0.001). Small‑breed dogs had more separation behavior and fear caused by other dogs compared to the large‑breed dogs (P = 0.001). These findings suggested keeping the dogs indoor with limit access to a yard had negative impact on dog's behaviors. Legal restrictions have adverse effect on fear behavior in dogs. Determination of fear‑related factors might prove useful for dog's behavioral intervention in Iran.
... Smaller dogs were also less likely to be relinquished than larger dogs. Cannas et al. (41) found that smaller dogs tended to be referred to a behavior clinic for anxious behaviors, while larger dogs were more likely to be referred to a behavior clinic FIGURE 9 | The association between relinquishment reason and animal characteristics for puppies and dogs relinquished for the reason of "guardian health" (n = 2,449). Characteristics include age group, Asilomar Accords category, breed type, dog size, sex, population center size, and year. ...
Dogs are relinquished to animal shelters for animal-related or guardian-related reasons. Understanding what drives relinquishment patterns is essential for informing intervention opportunities to keep animals with their guardians. Whereas, overall reasons for relinquishment in a given shelter system have been well explored, analysis of human and animal predictors of relinquishing for a specific reason has not been previously attempted. We used characteristics of relinquishment including year, population of the relinquishing guardian's region, health status of the dog, breed, age group, weight, and sex to predict reasons for dog relinquishment to British Columbia (BC) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) shelters across BC between 2008 and 2019 (n = 32,081). Relinquishment trends for puppies and adult dogs were also viewed and described. From 2008–2019, the proportion of dogs relinquished relative to total intake remained consistent (range: 31–35%). Primary reasons reported by guardians were having too many dogs (19%), housing issues (17%), personal issues (15%), financial issues (10%), dog behavior (10%), and guardian health (8%). Over years, an increasing proportion of dogs were relinquished for the reason “too many” (OR = 1.16, 95% CI, 1.10–1.23, p < 0.001) and “behavior” (OR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.26–1.43, p < 0.001), while a decreasing proportion were relinquished due to financial problems (OR = 0.94, 95% CI, 0.88–1.00, p = 0.047). Being a puppy, mixed breed, small, and from a small or medium population center predicted the reason “too many.” Being a senior, Healthy, or from a medium or large population center predicted the reason “housing issues.” Being a non-puppy, Healthy dog in a large population center predicted the reason “personal issues.” Being a puppy, non-Healthy, female, and from a large population center predicted the reason “financial issues.” Being a larger young adult or adult and Healthy predicted the reason “dog behavior.” Being an adult or senior small dog from a small population center predicted the reason “guardian health.” Particularly promising region-specific intervention opportunities include efforts to prevent too many animals in small population centers, improvement of pet-inclusive housing in large population centers, and providing animal care support in large population centers. Accessible veterinary services, including low-cost or subsidized care, likely benefit dog retention across BC.
... Some research has argued that dog breed is a significant risk factor for severe bites [11,12]; whilst contrasting research presents data suggesting that labelling specific breeds as inherently dangerous is ineffective in developing appropriate responses to increasing dog bite incidence rates [9,[13][14][15]. Additionally, published research has suggested a relationship between the popularity of specific breeds with income levels [10], although the extent to which dog breed is a significant risk factor is unclear [16][17][18]. ...
Dog bites are a recognized public health issue due to their impact on human and animal health/welfare. This study aimed to investigate demographic and geographic disparities in the epidemiology of dog bites presentations reported to the emergency departments of the four main public hospitals in the Metro South region of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.Dog bite patient hospitalization data geolocated to the street address were collected from clinical records management systems from the four main public hospitals in the Metro South Hospital Health Service region of Queensland for a 5-year period (ie. 01/07/2013 to 30/06/2017). We investigated the epidemiology of three clinical outcomes including probability of paediatric cases (paediatric vs. adult), probability of dog bites to the head (head injury vs. other injury), and probability of re-presentation to the ED following their initial dog bite (yes or no) by way of univariable then multivariable Bernoulli logistic regression models including patient postcode as a random effect. Residual semivariograms were created to identify spatial trends in the medical geography of dog bites and binomial geostatistical models were created to predict the probability of the outcomes of interest in Brisbane Metro south and surrounding suburbs.Our results demonstrate that compared to adult dog bite cases, paediatric dog bite cases were significantly associated with bites to the head or face or neck (OR 14.65, P
... In the present study, more males were reported for episodes of aggression compared to females. This aspect has been demonstrated in several studies, and it might be explained by the tendency of males to be more competitive and more prone to use confrontation rather than appeasement in social conflict [26,27]. A significant difference in gender distribution was found between the group of dogs aggressive towards humans and the group of dogs aggressive towards other dogs, with a higher number of entire and spayed females in the latter group. ...
In this survey, a caseload of aggressive dogs (n = 170) was analysed to increase the available information about biting dog characteristics, contribute to risk evaluation and improve bite prevention tools. All dog data were collected from questionnaires completed by veterinary behaviourists in Northern Italy. All dogs were referred to them by public authorities to be evaluated and treated due to the incidence of one or more episodes of aggression. Between the two groups of human-directed and dog-directed aggressive dogs, significant associations were found: the dog-directed aggressive group inflicted significantly more severe bites (p < 0.01) and offensive aggression (p < 0.01), whereas defensive aggression was significantly more numerous in the human-directed aggression group (p < 0.01) and more significantly located in private homes (p < 0.01). No significant associations were found between the severity of bites and one or more specific breeds in either group. The prevalence of defensive bites in private homes in human-directed aggression indicate that owners' understanding of their dogs' behaviour and communication is fundamental to preventing aggression, and that owner education programmes are fundamental tools to reduce aggression risk factors and prevent aggression.
... During isolation, cats probably experienced distress and therefore exhibited behaviors that show a state of discomfort and insecurity, principally due to a lack of confidence and familiarity to the environment, but maybe also to the separation from their owner. Separation anxiety is a problem behavior described in cats (Borchelt and Voith, 1996;Erny et al., 2015;Overall, 2013a;Schwartz, 2002) but data regarding its epidemiology are weak as opposed to the dog, where separation anxiety is reported with a high prevalence (Bamberger and Houpt, 2006;Blackwell et al., 2013;Cannas et al., 2018b;Horwitz, 2009;Martínez et al., 2011;Overall et al., 2001;Palestrini et al., 2010;Tiira et al., 2016;Yalcin and Batmaz, 2007). A behavioral sign that is probably related to seeking human attention is the emission of vocalizations. ...
Today, cats are one of the most widespread and beloved companion animals: they share their life with people and are perceived as social partners by their owner. The knowledge and understanding of cat-human communication and of the behavior exhibited in response to different emotions is essential to improve the management of housed cats. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the behavior of cats in three different situations that can occur in house cats’ lives.
Ten Maine Coon cats, four males and six females, ranging in age from one to 13 years, belonging to a single private owner and managed under the same conditions, were exposed randomly to three different contexts for five minutes (Waiting for food, Isolation in unknown environment and Brushing). All the situations were video-recorded and subsequently analyzed. The behaviors oriented to environment, oriented to food bowl, locomotion, active interactions, yawning, lip licking & swallowing and salivation mainly characterized Waiting for food, while Isolation appears principally characterized by behaviors like hiding, scratching, worried positions and exploration. Withdrawal, passive interactions, aggressive behaviors, facial discomfort and purring characterized Brushing. Vocalizations were significantly more frequent during Isolation and Brushing than during Waiting for food, but it is possible that the characteristics of the vocalizations in these two situations are different. Our principal finding is that cats showed different behavioral patterns in the three situations and, in particular, their behavior during Brushing was very different than in the two other situations. It can be hypothesized that these different behavioral responses are due to the different emotional states elicited by each of the three challenging and potentially stressful situations. Further investigation is being carried out in order to better understand cats’ behaviors and emotions to improve cats’ management in the household.
... According to many studies, anxiety and aggression are also two of the most common behavioural issues in the general pet dog population, although it is not possible to compare the absolute percentages of occurrence, due to differences in definitions and sampling methods. [27,28] Our data indicate that evaluating behavioural functionality should have priority when screening assistance dogs prior to acquisition or during training. This means checking whether puppies are able to cope with contexts where humans are present and with benign human actions, as well as with other stimuli present in a human environment (e.g. ...
Assistance dogs aid people with various impairments on a daily basis. To become an assistance dog, a strict selection procedure and intensive training period must be successfully completed. Consequently, not every dog acquired for this purpose, becomes an assistance dog. The purpose of this study was to investigate reasons for failure and the financial consequences thereof for assistance dog associations that do not have a dedicated breeding program for their dogs. Data were collected for a total of 537 dogs enlisted between 2001 and 2015 and purchased out of the general dog population by five Belgian assistance dog associations. Only 60 percent of the dogs actually became an assistance dog and the main reasons for failure were related to undesirable behavioural characteristics and orthopaedic disorders. The estimated average financial loss per rejected dog was found to be 10524 euro. A detailed comparison of the two most popular breeds (Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever) within the guide dogs and mobility assistance dogs revealed no significant difference in probability of successfully completing the training. However, a comparison of orthopaedic screening methods revealed a higher rejection with computed tomography for elbow dysplasia and laxity-based radiographical techniques for hip dysplasia compared to radiography and the standard ventrodorsal hip extend radiograph alone, respectively. Based on these results, we provide several suggestions to increase the probability of success.
... One hopes a follow-up study will assess how such differences in perception may affect patient diagnostics and care. Cannas et al. (2018) examine broad epidemiological patterns within their referral patient group. By taking a more general approach and splitting their diagnostic groupings into conditions primarily involving non-aggressive anxiety-related concerns, and those concerns involving aggression (but possibly anxiety). ...
... Again, RST has proved to be beneficial in human psychology for the identification of markers for the risk to develop psychological disorders (e.g. anxiety, Shadli et al., 2015); similar research directions could be explored in veterinary behaviour medicine, especially in the presence of other known environmental risk factors, such as dogs adopted from pet shops or shelters (Cannas et al., 2017). Nevertheless, benefits may be extended also to other species, even beyond domestic animals. ...
Trait impulsivity is an increasingly relevant topic for human and non-human animal personality research. There are similarities in dog and human manifestations of trait impulsivity at the behavioural, genetic, and neurobiological level. We investigated a well-validated measure of dog impulsivity and responsivity (the Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale, DIAS) and a neuropsychological theory of human trait approach and avoidance (the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of personality, RST). Owners reported their dogs' dispositional behaviour on the DIAS, an RST scale modified to describe dogs' behaviour, and a list of common dog behaviour problems. In a sample of 730 dogs, we observed convergence between the RST and the DIAS. There was a negative correlation between RST 'Behaviour Inhibition System' and DIAS impulsivity factor ('Behavioural Regulation'). RST 'Behavioural Approach System' correlated positively with DIAS 'Responsiveness'. The RST 'Fight-Flight-Freeze System' (FFFS) and the DIAS 'Aggression and response to novelty factor were both distinct from other factors. However, the DIAS 'Aggression and response to novelty' factor and the RST FFFS explained different aspects of dog behaviour problems. Importantly, whilst the DIAS factors indicated tendencies towards avoidant behaviours, the FFFS discriminated between active and passive avoidance. The findings suggest a partial overlapping between the DIAS and RST scales, and highlights the utility of personality models in investigating behaviour problems in dogs.
... Secondo le ultime indagini eseguite da Euromonitor nel 2014, in Italia vivono in famiglia circa 14 milioni tra cani (48,2%) e gatti (51,8%). Nonostante il numero di cani e gatti domestici nel nostro Paese sia quasi equivalente, il numero di visite comportamentali effettuate dal 1999 a oggi per i felini è di gran lunga inferiore a quello a cui sono stati sottoposti i cani 8,9 anche se il trend relativo alla medicina comportamentale felina all'estero è in aumento 4 . Questa disparità può essere spiegata dal fatto che i proprietari di gatti ritengono il comportamento del proprio animale poco controllabile, convinti, erroneamente, che il gatto sia meno gestibile di un cane. ...
Dog behavior has been studied using diverse methods, including owner-completed questionnaires, records from veterinary clinics that evaluate behavioral problems, and test batteries such as those used by some animal shelters. Measures of prevalence for multiple behavioral issues and analyses of whether dog demographic characteristics predict problematic behaviors are commonly reported in studies using questionnaires and clinical records; however, these measures are infrequently reported for all tests and subtests in studies using data from shelter behavioral evaluations. In this study, we determined prevalence of both concerning and dangerous behaviors on 14 tests and subtests of a canine behavioral evaluation by analyzing data collected by the behavioral staff at a NY shelter. Canine evaluations were conducted a few days after intake (n = 1104 dogs tested between 2014-2019). Our study sample represents all dogs admitted to the shelter except those quickly reclaimed by owners and those euthanized at the request of their owners; rarer exceptions included very undersocialized dogs and dogs assessed at intake as unsafe to make available for adoption. We also examined whether dog demographic characteristics (age, sex, reproductive status, and body size) predicted behaviors on tests and subtests and whether total number of tests/subtests with concerning or dangerous behaviors predicted likelihood of being returned to the shelter postadoption. Of all dogs tested, prevalence measures of dangerous behaviors were always less than 5%. Prevalence of concerning behaviors during the evaluations were usually higher, with the highest being 36% for one of the Sociability subtests, indicating that about one third of dogs tested ignored rather than interacted with the evaluator. Our measures of prevalence for food guarding (15.5%), stranger-directed aggression (6.5%), and dog-directed aggression (16.7%) were generally similar to those reported for dogs in other shelters and in homes. Of the demographic characteristics examined, age class most consistently predicted assessment of concerning or dangerous behaviors on several tests and subtests, with these behaviors typically being most common in seniors, followed by adults, and then juveniles. Finally, we found that for each additional test or subtest on which a dog showed concerning or dangerous behaviors, the odds of being returned to the shelter increased by a factor of 1.22. Our findings may aid shelters in identifying dogs, such as older individuals and those assessed as showing problematic behaviors on several tests and subtests of an evaluation, that would benefit from behavioral plans and special adoption efforts to help them enter and remain in adoptive homes.
Veterinary professionals (VPs) are often the first source of advice for clients struggling with their dog's behaviour, and pulling on the lead is a commonplace undesirable behaviour VPs will encounter regularly in practice. Excluding bites, being pulled over while walking on a lead is the leading cause of non‐fatal dog‐related injuries in the UK. This narrative review investigates lead pulling as a welfare concern in pet dogs, highlighting aspects of the literature of particular interest to VPs.
Lead pulling could negatively affect walk quality, frequency and duration, causing weight gain, while decreased environmental enrichment could trigger other undesirable behaviours. Aversive equipment to prevent lead pulling can cause pain, distress and injury, but even equipment considered humane can have welfare consequences. Punitive training methods could cause dogs stress, fear and anxiety and trigger aggressive behaviour. While these lead pulling outcomes are welfare concerns in themselves, they could also weaken dog–owner attachment, a risk factor in pet dog relinquishment.
Given lead pulling could affect the welfare of patients in a VPs care, clinical implications and opportunities for client education are outlined. Educating clients on humane prevention and modification of lead pulling could make walks easier, safer and more enjoyable, with positive outcomes for clients, canine welfare and the practice.
Experimental assessments can be useful in the study of individual differences among dogs. One example of such assessment is the Dog Mentality Assessment (DMA), in which stable traits, referred to as personality traits, have been detected. Due to limited access to the DMA for dogs of non-working breeds, a new experimental assessment named Behaviour and Personality Assessment in Dogs (BPH) was developed in 2012 with the DMA as a model. In this study, behavioural ratings from 12,117 dogs assessed with the BPH were analysed in two steps: first, a hierarchical factor analysis procedure was carried out, and second, the construct validity of the extracted factors was studied. Two measures of validity were used: correlations with subjective ratings during the assessment (internal construct validity (ICV)) and correlations with data from a web-based questionnaire regarding everyday behaviour (external construct validity (ECV)). The ECV was also used to investigate on which level of the factor hierarchy everyday behaviour was best predicted. The approach revealed a hierarchy of factors, from one general factor at the top to 28 specific factors at the bottom, with generally high ICV. The first factor, Boldness, is related to six of the eight subtests and is associated with a positive attitude towards unfamiliar persons, interest for object play, low fear, and high degree of exploration. Most of the specific factors stem from the factors Sociability, Playfulness and Non-social fearfulness at the third level in the hierarchy, factors with high or at least moderate ECV. Sociability seems to be the best predictor for attitude towards unknown persons and dogs outside the assessment situation, including positive interest, fear, and aggression. The broader factors at the first levels correspond well to a range of everyday behaviours but for some behavioural tendencies more specific factors appearing at lower levels in the hierarchy were of greater importance. For example, noise-related fear was predicted first by a factor from the 12th factor level. The results from the ECV analysis indicate consistency between contexts and suggest that the BPH can reveal dog personality traits. The information from the assessment may give indications regarding welfare as well as potential problem-causing and preferred behaviour. Given a genetic basis for the traits, the most promising application is in dog breeding, where a combination of broad and narrow factors, relevant for the breed in question, may be used as measures in breeding objectives.
The problem of stress, psychological and behavioral disorders in animals gain more and more attention in the recent years. A lot of research is being held to determine pathogenetic mechanisms of stress, diagnostic approaches and methods of its treatment. This article considers the physiological, psychological and biochemical aspects of stress. The special role of brain-specific S100 protein in the stress pathogenesis is described. Authors also give methodological recommendations for veterinarians on the pharmacological correction of stress and on the use of behavioral scales for dogs and cats.
A review of seven published studies and one anecdotal report involving dogs born in high-volume commercial breeding establishments (CBE) and sold to the consumer directly via the Internet or indirectly through retail pet stores revealed an increased incidence of behavioral and emotional problems that cause distress in adulthood compared with dogs from other sources, especially breeders. The most consistent finding among studies is an increase in aggression, which is most commonly directed toward the dog’s owners and family members but also to unfamiliar people, and other dogs. Increased fear was also identified in response to unfamiliar people, children, other dogs, nonsocial stimuli, and when taken on walks. Undesirable behaviors related to separation and/or attention-seeking and a heightened sensitivity to touch have been reported.
Personality and anxiety disorders across species are affected by genetic and environmental factors. Shyness-boldness personality continuum exists across species, including the domestic dog, with a large within- and across-breed variation. Domestic dogs are also diagnosed for several anxiety-related behavioral conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorders, phobias, and separation anxiety. Genetic and environmental factors contributing to personality and anxiety are largely unknown. We collected questionnaire data from a Finnish family dog population (N = 3264) in order to study the associating environmental factors for canine fearfulness, noise sensitivity, and separation anxiety. Early life experiences and exercise were found to associate with anxiety prevalence. We found that fearful dogs had less socialization experiences (p = 0.002) and lower quality of maternal care (p < 0.0001) during puppyhood. Surprisingly, the largest environmental factor associating with noise sensitivity (p < 0.0001) and separation anxiety (p = 0.007) was the amount of daily exercise; dogs with noise sensitivity and separation anxiety had less daily exercise. Our findings suggest that dogs share many of the same environmental factors that contribute to anxiety in other species as well, such as humans and rodents. Our study highlights the importance of early life experiences, especially the quality of maternal care and daily exercise for the welfare and management of the dogs, and reveals important confounding factors to be considered in the genetic characterization of canine anxiety.
Dogs with separation-related behavior problems engage in unwanted behavior such as destruction of property and excessive vocalization when left alone, causing distress for both the dog and the owner, and often leading to the dog being relinquished or euthanized. I review research on factors likely to predispose dogs to developing separation anxiety and on the treatments available. Although research is equivocal, dogs seem to develop separation-related behavior problems if they are male, sourced from shelters or found, and separated from the litter before they are 60 days old. Protective factors include ensuring a wide range of experiences outside the home and with other people, between the ages of 5–10 months, stable household routines and absences from the dog, and the avoidance of punishment. The most successful treatment for canine separation-related problems may be behavior modification that focuses on systematic desensitization and counterconditioning, which can be supplemented with medication in the initial stages. Where individual therapy from an animal behavior expert is not possible, advice to dog owners should be clear, simple, and contain five or fewer instructions to improve adherence. Advice is given for people seeking to adopt a dog, for new dog owners, and for existing dog owners who wish to treat their dog’s separation anxiety.
Dogs offer unique opportunities to study correlations between morphology and behavior because skull shapes and body shape are so diverse among breeds. Several studies have shown relationships between canine cephalic index (CI: the ratio of skull width to skull length) and neural architecture. Data on the CI of adult, show-quality dogs (six males and six females) were sourced in Australia along with existing data on the breeds' height, bodyweight and related to data on 36 behavioral traits of companion dogs (n = 8,301) of various common breeds (n = 49) collected internationally using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Stepwise backward elimination regressions revealed that, across the breeds, 33 behavioral traits all but one of which are undesirable in companion animals correlated with either height alone (n = 14), bodyweight alone (n = 5), CI alone (n = 3), bodyweight-and-skull shape combined (n = 2), height-and-skull shape combined (n = 3) or height-and-bodyweight combined (n = 6). For example, breed average height showed strongly significant inverse relationships (p
Yalcin E., H. Batmaz: Signalment Factors, Comorbidity in Behavior Diagnoses in Dogs in Bursa Region, Turkey (2000 - 2004). Acta Vet. Brno 2007, 76: 445-450. The aim of this study was to classify the behaviour problems of dogs reported by owners in the Bursa region. A survey was conducted with the owners of 80 dogs with behaviour problems in 2000 - 2004. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to the demographics of the problems the owners observed in their dogs. Sixty eight dogs were selected from animals referred to the Clinic of the Internal Medicine Department of the Uludag University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and 12 dogs were selected at a private kennel. The 68 dogs diagnosed at the clinic as having behaviour problems represented 6.2% of the 1086 patient dogs older than 6 months seen in the same period. Twelve dogs with behaviour problems were selected from a total of 150 dogs at a private kennel. A total of 110 behavioural problems were detected. Some dogs showed more than one behavioural disorder. The classifi cation of the problems was as follows: 65 dogs (59%) with aggression, 13 dogs (12%) with separation anxiety, 12 dogs (10.5%) with phobia of veterinary clinics and high-volume noises such as thunders and fi reworks, 12 dogs (10.5%) with compulsive disorders (9 dogs with tail chasing, 2 dogs with lick dermatitis, 1 dog with self mutilation), 4 dogs (4%) with inappropriate elimination, 2 dogs (2%) with coprophagia, and 1 dog (1%) with puppy killing, 1 dog (1%) with false pregnancy. The breeds most often presented in our study were: German shepherd (19%), Terrier (18%), mixed breed (15%), Anatolian sheepdog (10%). The results of the study showed that behavioural problems are common among dogs in Bursa and aggression ranks fi rst, followed by separation anxiety, phobia and tail chasing. Dog, behavioural problems, aggression, separation anxiety, phobia, compulsive disorder
Data were obtained from a total of 245 cases of aggressive-behavior problems in dogs kept as companion animals. Aggression involved barking, growling and biting behavior. For each case, a home visit of one to several hours yielded a description of the sequences of aggressive behavior and the stimulus conditions in which they occurred. Eight major types of aggression were observed: aggression related to fear; dominance; possessiveness; protectiveness; predation; punishment; pain; and intra-specific aggression.The incidence of each type of aggression is presented. More aggression problems occurred in males than females, with dominance and inter-male aggression showing the greatest likelihood of occurrence in males. Fear-elicited aggression and predatory aggression were the least influenced by the sex of the dog. Tabulation of associations among these problems revealed that dominance and possessive aggression frequently occurred together, fear-elicited and intra-specific aggression frequently occurred alone, and many of the aggression problems were associated with non-aggressive problems related to fear (phobias) and anxiety. The data indicated that aggressive-behavior problems are widespread across many breeds and suggest some breed × problem interactions. Fewer instances of dominance aggression occurred in mixed than in pure breeds. A classification system, proposed to represent the functional sub-systems of aggression in the pet dog, is presented.
Although it is comparatively easy to find new homes for many dogs in animal shelters, a large proportion of these animals are eventually returned. This is due partly to a poor ‘match’ between dog and new owner. A better prediction of problem behaviour could improve the matching procedure. A set of tests was developed to test four problem-related behavioural characteristics, namely aggression, fear, obedience and separation anxiety, as well as a category of miscellaneous problem-related behaviours. A range of stimuli were used, including humans, animals and visual and acoustic stimuli from objects. To validate the results from the 81 dogs tested and the opinions of the staff of the animal shelters about these dogs, they were compared with the experiences of the new owners of the animals. This comparison showed that behavioural testing provides a better prediction of problem behaviour than do the opinions of the staff. Therefore, testing may be a useful and valuable instrument to improve the matching between dog and future owner, provided of course that adequate information is available about the character and background of the future owner.
This article reviews studies of different dog bites directed toward people. Typical bite events are summarized by describing the characteristics of the dog, victim, and wound; serious bites (severe and fatal bites) are described separately. Suggestions for the prevention of dog bites are presented.
Dog bites cause an estimated 585,000 injuries resulting in the need for medical attention yearly and children are the most frequent victims. This study sought to determine dog-specific factors independently associated with a dog biting a nonhousehold member.
A matched case-control design comprising 178 pairs of dogs was used. Cases were selected from dogs reported to Denver Animal Control in 1991 for a first-bite episode of a nonhousehold member in which the victim received medical treatment. Controls were neighborhood-matched dogs with no history of biting a nonhousehold member, selected by modified random-digit dialing based on the first five digits of the case dog owner's phone number. Case and control dog owners were interviewed by telephone.
Children aged 12 years and younger were the victims in 51% of cases. Compared with controls, biting dogs were more likely to be German Shepherd (adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 16.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.8 to 71.4) or Chow Chow (ORa = 4.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 13.7) predominant breeds, male (ORa = 6.2, 95% CI 2.5 to 15.1), unneutered (ORa = 2.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.3), residing in a house with > or = 1 children (ORa = 3.5, 95% CI 1.6 to 7.5), and chained while in the yard (ORa = 2.8, 95% CI 1.0 to 8.1).
Pediatricians should advise parents that failure to neuter a dog and selection of male dogs and certain breeds such as German Shepherd and Chow Chow may increase the risk of their dog biting a nonhousehold member, who often may be a child. The potential preventability of this frequent public health problem deserves further attention.
To identify canine and household characteristics associated with relinquishment of a pet dog to an animal shelter.
Case-control study.
Households that relinquished dogs for adoption (case households) and a random sample of current dog-owning households in the same community (control households).
Potentially modifiable factors that explained the highest proportion of relinquishment were owners not participating in dog obedience classes after acquisition, lack of veterinary care, owning a sexually intact dog, inappropriate care expectations, and dogs having daily or weekly inappropriate elimination. Dogs obtained from shelters, kept in crates, or acquired at > or = 6 months of age were at increased risk of relinquishment. Greater purchase price was associated with decreased risk of relinquishment, but relinquishment was not associated with the degree of planning to acquire the dog. Dogs with behavioral problems and little veterinary care were at greater risk of relinquishment than were dogs with regular veterinary care, and behavioral problems were associated with inappropriate care expectations.
Risk factors identified in this study can be modified by dog owners and veterinarians to decrease the estimated 2 million dogs euthanatized annually in animal shelters. Veterinarians should educate owners about typical dog behavior, routine care requirements and training, and the importance of regular veterinary visits; should incorporate wellness concepts in their practice; and should focus on preventive medicine and behavioral consultation.
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the pressure-volume relationship during capnoperitoneum in dogs and effects of body weight and body conformation.
ANIMALS 86 dogs scheduled for routine laparoscopy.
PROCEDURES Dogs were allocated into 3 groups on the basis of body weight. Body measurements, body condition score, and body conformation indices were calculated. Carbon dioxide was insufflated into the abdomen with a syringe, and pressure was measured at the laparoscopic cannula. Volume and pressure data were processed, and the yield point, defined by use of a cutoff volume (COV) and cutoff pressure (COP), was calculated.
RESULTS 20 dogs were excluded because of recording errors, air leakage attributable to surgical flaws, or trocar defects. For the remaining 66 dogs, the pressure-volume curve was linear-like until the yield point was reached, and then it became visibly exponential. Mean ± SD COP was 5.99 ± 0.805 mm Hg. No correlation was detected between yield point, body variables, or body weight. Mean COV was 1,196.2 ± 697.9 mL (65.15 ± 20.83 mL of CO 2 /kg), and COV was correlated significantly with body weight and one of the body condition indices but not with other variables.
CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, there was a similar COP for all dogs of all sizes. In addition, results suggested that increasing the abdominal pressure after the yield point was reached did not contribute to a substantial increase in working space in the abdomen. No correlation was found between yield point, body variables, and body weight.
Records of dogs presented to a behavior clinic servicing the eastern seaboard of Australia in and around Brisbane and the Gold Coast were analysed for principal behavior problems and the related factors, from information recorded at the time that the owner approached the clinic for assistance. Data relating to 7,858 dogs presenting with 11,521 behavior problems between 2001 and 2013 were analysed. Twenty-two principal behavior problems were identified, of which the most common, in declining order, were aggression towards people, barking and anxious behavior. Male dogs were at greater risk of several behavior problems, compared to female dogs. Low socioeconomic status of owners and a short period spent at home each week were also associated with a greater risk of several behavior problems. The prevalence of breeds and breed groups presented to the clinic were compared with dog registrations at the local city council, and there were more working dogs, hounds and utility dogs and fewer terriers, toy dogs and non-sporting dogs in the clinic population. Uncommon breeds were over-represented in the clinic population compared to local registrations. The risk of developing behavior problems is discussed in the light of evidence about the dogs and their owners.
Context.— Dog bites that result in injuries occur frequently, but how frequently
dog bite injuries necessitate medical attention at a hospital or hospital
admission is unknown.Objective.— To describe the incidence and characteristics of dog bite injuries treated
in US emergency departments (EDs).Design.— Emergency department survey from the National Center for Health Statistics
National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for 1992 to 1994.Patients.— National probability sample of patients visiting EDs.Main Outcome Measure.— Incidence of dog bites treated in EDs, defined as a cause of injury
recorded as the E-code E906.0.Results.— The 3-year annualized, adjusted, and weighted estimate of new dog bite–related
injury visits to US EDs was 333687, a rate of 12.9 per 10000 persons (95%
confidence interval [CI], 10.5-15.4). This represents approximately 914 new
dog bite injuries requiring ED visits per day. The median age of patients
bitten was 15 years, with children, especially boys aged 5 to 9 years, having
the highest incidence rate (60.7 per 10000 persons for boys aged 5 to 9 years).
Children seen in EDs were more likely than older persons to be bitten on the
face, neck, and head (73% vs 30%). We estimated that for each US dog bite
fatality there are about 670 hospitalizations and 16000 ED visits.Conclusions.— Dog bite injuries are an important source of injury in the US population,
especially among children. Improved surveillance and prevention of dog bite–related
injuries, particularly among children, are needed.
Behavioural signs of fear or anxiety on exposure to noises in owned domestic dogs have been suggested in clinical studies to be common and a significant welfare concern. In this study two approaches were taken to investigate the occurrence of, and risk factors for, these behaviours: a postal survey of dog owners to investigate general demographic factors (n = 3897), and a structured interview of a sub-set of owners to gather more detailed information (n = 383). Almost half of owners in the structured interview reported that their dog showed at least one behavioural sign typical of fear when exposed to noises, even though only a quarter had reported their dog as ‘fearful’ in the general survey. This difference indicates that even where owners recognise behavioural responses to noises, they may not interpret these as associated with altered subjective state in their dog. The difference in reported prevalence between the studies highlights the importance of methodological approach in owner questionnaire studies investigating behavioural signs.
We assessed the effects of obedience training and canine behaviour counselling upon the human-canine relationship. Thirty adult participants provided perceptions of their dog's behaviour and were then randomly assigned to one of three groups: the Obedience group, which received obedience training and canine behaviour counselling; the Time Instructed group, which was asked to spend 20 min a day interacting with their dog; the No Instruction group, which did not receive any instructions.After assignment, the Obedience group completed an 8-week obedience and canine behaviour counselling class where all the participants again provided information about their dog's behaviour. In addition, all participants were also asked to keep daily logs of the time spent with their dogs in training, play, exercise and other activities. A video-camera was used to obtain pretest and posttest measures of obedience behaviour, proximity, tactile behaviour and separation anxiety exhibited by each dog.Results indicated that the Obedience group showed the most improved obedience behaviour and the highest improvement in the human-canine relationship. The Obedience group also showed lower separation anxiety than the No Instruction group. Contrary to expectation, the Time Instructed group also displayed improvement in obedience behaviour and improvement in the relationship. The Time Instructed group showed lower separation anxiety than the No Instruction group. The No Instruction group revealed higher separation anxiety, no improvement in obedience and no change in the relationship. Results were interpreted in terms of positive interaction and quality time.
A retrospective study was designed to assess the prevalence and clinical presentation of canine aggression problems in a referral practice in Spain. One thousand forty canine aggression cases seen at the Animal Behavior Clinic (Barcelona School of Veterinary Medicine) were analyzed. Each aggression problem was characterized according to 7 predefined diagnostic categories. Breed- and sex-related risk factors were calculated by comparing the aggressive dogs to a control population. Aggression problems were the most common behavior complaint (52.28% of all canine behavior cases). Complaints of owner-directed aggression were the most frequent (38.55%), followed by aggression toward other dogs (34.85%) and toward unfamiliar people (21.95%). A mean of 1.4 diagnoses of aggression per dog were established. Social conflict aggression toward family members was the most common diagnostic category (35.34%). Of the aggressive dogs, 69% were males and 31% were females, of which only 11% and 12% were neutered, respectively. Two breeds, the English cocker spaniel and the Catalan sheepdog, presented a particularly high risk for aggression in the studied population.
This study used The Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and regression models to explore the relative importance of dog and owner characteristics, living environment and owner–dog interaction to household dogs’ aggressiveness towards strangers, owners and other dogs. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 10 interpretable factors from the Chinese translation of C-BARQ: stranger-directed aggression, owner-directed aggression, dog-directed aggression, social fear, nonsocial fear, separation-related behavior, attachment or attention-seeking behavior, trainability, excitability and pain sensitivity. The factor structure of our study largely resembled that reported in Hsu and Serpell (2003) and van den Berg et al. (2006; Dutch translation of C-BARQ). All factors of the translated C-BARQ have adequate reliability (Cronbach α: 0.74–0.93) and are thus suitable for measuring temperament traits in Taiwan's pet dogs. Intrinsic and environmental variables important to the three aggression subscales were not entirely the same, but breed (P≤0.020) and physical punishment (P≤0.053) had significant relationships with all of them. Golden Retriever scored the lowest while dogs subjected to physical reprimands scored significantly higher on aggression subscales. In addition, higher scores on stranger-directed aggression were associated (P≤0.027) with living in rural areas, in houses with yard space and with more household members and being acquired either as puppies or for guarding purposes. Higher scores on owner-directed aggression were associated (P≤0.040) with male and older dogs, being neutered/spayed, having female owners, fewer other dogs in the household and being kept outside the house. Higher scores on dog-directed aggression, on the other hand, were associated (P≤0.050) with living in houses with either yard space or more household members and with spending less time with owners. Stranger- and dog-directed aggression had more important intrinsic and environmental variables common to them than did owner-directed aggression, which suggests that aggression towards owners may be regulated by different mechanisms from aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Although no causal relationship between dog aggression and environmental variables can be implied from observational studies, the results of this and other studies lend support to the possibility of reducing dogs’ aggressive responses through proper management by owners.
Separation-related behaviors are described as problematic behaviors that occur exclusively in the owner's absence or virtual absence. Diagnosis is generally based on indirect evidence such as elimination or destruction that occurs during owner absence. Questionnaire studies are based on owner perception and might therefore underestimate the actual proportion of dogs with separation problems. The aim of this study was to film dogs with separation-related problems when left home alone and compile objective information on behaviors exhibited. Twenty-three dogs, ranging in age from 5 months to 13 years (2.9±22.7 years), were filmed home alone for 20–60min (49.87±12.9min) after owner departure.Analysis of behaviors on tape showed that dogs spent most of their time vocalizing (22.95±12.3% of total observed time) and being oriented to the environment (21±20%). Dogs also exhibited panting (14±18%), were passive (12±27%) and were destroying (6±6%) during owner absence. Most dogs displayed signs within less than 10min after owner departure, such as vocalizing (mean latency 3.25min) and/or destroying (mean latency 7.13min). Barking and oriented to the environment tended to decrease (respectively p=0.08 and p=0.07) and conversely panting tended to increase over time (p=0.07).Diagnosis of separation-related problems is traditionally dependant on owner reports. Although owner observation may be informative, direct observation and standardized behavioral measurement of dogs with separation-related problems, before and after treatment, would be the best way to diagnose and to measure behavioral improvement.
A retrospective cross-sectional survey of dog-owning veterinary clients was undertaken in 1996 in the three Canadian provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, to generate a population of dogs for future use in a more detailed survey on canine behaviour. The questionnaire was designed to detect which dogs had or had not bitten a person living in the same household, and included both demographic and behaviour questions. Twenty veterinary clinics were enlisted to administer the questionnaire to their clientele. Data was collected on 3226 dogs, a response rate of 81.4%. Dogs were predominantly purebred (60.1%) and neutered (71.6%). The Labrador Retriever was the most commonly reported of 110 breeds. There were slightly more female than male dogs, and significantly more female dogs were neutered (P
In 223 cases of dogs presented to a specialist behavioural clinic in Brisbane, Australia, 87 (39%) were for severe aggression. The classes of aggression included dominance (31.6%), territorial (29%), predatory (12.3%), intermale (12.3%), sibling rivalry (7.9%), fear biting (6%) and idiopathic rage (0.9%). The breeds most represented which attacked humans were the Bull Terrier (16%), German Shepherd and crosses (15%), Cattle dog breeds (Blue Heeler and crosses, 9.2%), Terrier breeds (9.2%), Labrador (8%), Poodle and Cocker Spaniel (both 5.7%) and Rottweiler (4.6%). The dangerous dog list put out by the local Brisbane City Council includes the first three breeds mentioned and the Rottweiler as the top four breeds causing aggression problems.Hospital records in Victoria and Queensland confirm that most damage is caused to humans by Bull Terriers and German Shepherds. Many breeds similar to those in our study are also represented in American data on aggressive breeds.Treatments included obedience training only, restraint only, obedience and restraint, synthetic progestins and obedience, castration, progestins and obedience, castration and obedience, use of chlorpromazine and as a last resort, euthanasia (12.6%). Entire males formed the largest group (44%), followed by castrated males and females (both 21%) and spayed females (15%).Several breeds (Boxer, Briand, Samoyed and St. Bernard) only attacked other animals and birds.This study reinforces evidence that social disruption is caused by aggressive dogs, but it also indicates that many responsible clients seek advice on how to deal with this behavioural problem.
Dogs show considerable variation in morphology, genetics and behaviour caused by long periods of artificial selection. This is evident in the large number of breeds we have today. Behavioural differences among breeds have often been regarded as remnants from past selection during the breeds’ origin. However, the selection in many breeds has, during the last decades, gone through great changes, which could have influenced breed-typical behaviour. In order to investigate this, breed differences were studied using data from a standardized behavioural test from 13,097 dogs of 31 breeds from the Swedish dog population. Based on the test results, breed scores were calculated for four behavioural traits: playfulness, curiosity/fearlessness, sociability and aggressiveness. These traits have previously been found to be stable and valid, and hence regarded as personality traits in the dog. The present results suggested large differences between breeds in all of the investigated traits, even though there were within-breed variations. No relationships between breed-characteristic behaviour and function in the breeds’ origins were found. Instead, there were correlations between breed scores and current use of the breeding stocks, which suggest that selection in the recent past has affected breed-typical behaviour. The breeds’ use in dog shows, the dominating use in general, was negatively correlated with all investigated traits, both in sires and in dams. In contrast, use in Working dog trials was positively correlated with playfulness and aggressiveness in sires. Thus, these results suggest that selection for dog show use is positively correlated with social and non-social fearfulness, and negatively with playfulness, curiosity in potentially threatening situations and aggressiveness, whereas selection for Working dog use is positively correlated with playfulness and aggressiveness. Furthermore, correlation analyses show that popular breeds have higher sociability and playfulness scores than less popular breeds, suggesting that a positive attitude towards strangers is an important characteristic of a functional pet dog and desirable by dog owners. This indicates that selection towards use in dog shows may be in conflict with pet dog selection. Furthermore, these results suggest that basic dimensions of dog behaviour can be changed when selection pressure changes, and that the domestication of the dog still is in progress. A standardized behavioural test, like the one used in this study, is suggested to be highly useful as a tool in dog breeding programs.
Wright, J.C. and Nesselrote, M.S., 1987. Classification of behavior problems in dogs: distributions of age, breed, sex and reproductive status. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 19: 169-178. One hundred and seventy behavior problems were observed in 105 dogs referred for behavior- problem management by practicing veterinarians. Ninety percent of the observed behavior prob- lems were classified within three major categories: aggression; stimullis reactivity; separation- related. Aggression and stimulus reactivity problems were further sub-divided by their predomi- nant behavioral components, i.e. excessive approach or avoidance in relation to the target stimuli. The mean age for dogs presented for problem behavior was 3.4 years, which did not differ as a function of diagnostic category (P> 0.05) .The distributions of different types of aggression seen in dogs and the most frequent pair-wise combinations of different types of aggression in the sample were described. Significantly more intact males and neutered females were referred for aggressive and stimulus reactivity behavior problems (P < 0.001) , but dogs with sepAration-related problems did not differ (P> 0.05) .The value of identifying the predominant components of behavior prob- lems for clarifying the direction of behavior change was discussed.
Aggression towards owners in a dominance context is a common behavioral problem in dogs. A review of 24 cases (21 males and 3 females) presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for dominance aggression revealed that it is a predominantly male trait, and pure-bred dogs (n=21) are presented more frequently than are mixed breeds (n=3). Each dog diagnosed as dominant aggressive manifested aggression in three or more of 17 circumstances involving physical manipulation, discipline, or guarding of food, objects or resting places. A combination of techniques including castration, use of synthetic progestins, and behavioral techniques were used to treat the dogs. Three to 15 months after the behavioral consultation, 19 owners were contacted by telephone and interviewed by a person identified as a neutral party unassociated with the service. The owners were asked a standardized set of questions. Twenty-one percent of the owners reported that their dogs were 90% or greater improved, 53% reported a 70% or greater improvement, and 79% reported a 50% or greater improvement. Although the frequency and intensity of aggressive behavior was reduced and the majority of persons were highly satisfied, the dominant aggressive tendencies of the majority of the dogs were not completely suppressed.
Dominance-associated aggression (DA) is a normal, natural, evolutionarily selected trait in many species including the canine species. A review of 35 DA cases presented to a small, private, behavior-only veterinary practice revealed that attention addiction was the most commonly associated (66%) secondary diagnosis. The diagnosis of DA was based on standard criteria. Treatments emphasized owner education and understanding of the problem in addition to common behavior modification, surgical, and pharmacological therapies. The necessity for the owners' gaining psychological leadership in relation to the dog was central to the suggested therapy for 34 of the 35 cases. A phone survey was successful in reaching 34 of the 35 cases. Owners' reports showed that 12% of their dogs showed excellent improvement, 44% reported good improvement, and 32% fair improvement. The owners reported themselves as 97% very or extremely pleased with the quality of information received. These figures and other aspects of canine DA were compared with a similar study done at a large, institutional behavior practice. The results were generally quite similar: DA is predominantly a male trait, found in a wide range of small to large purebred and mixed-bred dogs. DA signs are often apparent in quite young puppies, but do not become of significant concern to most pet owners until the dog is 6 to 24 months old. Both studies supported the concept that DA dogs are reliably responsive to treatment.
In the period 1987–1991 the consultant service established by the Danish Animal Welfare Society and the Danish Civil Dog Training Association reported 3975 problems in relation to pet dogs in Denmark. With nine categories of problem behaviour a total of 2719 problems were recorded in 2238 dogs. The data were analysed for the influence of breed, gender and age on the risk of developing behaviour problems. The analysis was designed as a case-control study using two control groups: (1) dogs registered by Danish Kennel Club in a 5-year period and (2) dogs treated at The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen, Denmark in a 4-month period. Thirteen breeds or breed groups including mixed breeds were compared with a reference group consisting of Labrador Retrievers. Compared with the reference group, Alsatians seemed to have higher risks of aggression towards other dogs, aggression towards strangers and general anxiety. For Cocker Spaniels higher risks of aggression towards the owner, aggression towards strangers and indoor urination/defecation were found. Collies seemed to have higher risks of aggression towards strangers, indoor urination/defecation and general anxiety. Furthermore, a higher risk of general anxiety was found in Poodles and Fox Terriers. Generally, Dachshunds, a group consisting of all terriers excluding Fox Terriers and mixed breeds, seemed to have a low risk of behaviour problems. Compared with females, males seemed to have a lower risk of general anxiety and a higher risk of problems related to lack of training and all kinds of aggression. About 80% of the behaviour problems were reported within the first 3 years of life. Only 5.5% of the dogs were suggested to be or were in fact euthanized.
The present study examined the prevalence of behaviours in dogs separated from the litter for adoption at different ages. Seventy adult dogs separated from their dam and littermates and adopted between the ages of 30 and 40 days were compared with 70 adult dogs that had been taken from the litter for adoption at two months. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire eliciting information on whether their dog exhibited potentially problematic behaviours when in its usual environment. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate whether the age at which the dog was separated from the litter might predispose it to developing undesirable behaviours. The odds of displaying destructiveness, excessive barking, fearfulness on walks, reactivity to noises, toy possessiveness, food possessiveness and attention-seeking were significantly greater for the dogs that had been removed from the litter earlier during the socialisation period. In addition, dogs purchased from a pet shop at 30 to 40 days of age were reported to exhibit some of the listed behaviours with a significantly higher frequency than dogs purchased from a pet shop at two months. No significant differences were observed with dogs obtained from other types of sources. The dogs in the youngest age group (18 to 36 months) had a higher probability of displaying destructiveness and tail chasing. These findings indicate that, compared with dogs that remained with their social group for 60 days, dogs that had been separated from the litter earlier were more likely to exhibit potentially problematic behaviours, especially if they came from a pet shop.
The aim of the study was to characterize dogs in which fear-motivated aggression was diagnosed, to describe the therapy used, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy using a retrospective descriptive study. During the research period 284 dogs were referred for problem behaviour. Pear-motivated aggression was diagnosed in 73 (26%) dogs: intact males (35), castrated males (15), intact females (11) and castrated females (12). The mean age of the animals was 3.4 years ± 2.2 (SD). Mixed-breed dogs were most frequent, followed by Golden Retn"evers, Rottweilers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. The majority of the dogs expressed growling, snapping, biting, ears down, tail down and low posture. The aggression occurred mainly inside the house, towards adults or children, and especially when the dog was approached and/or touched. Diagnosis was based on data about the behavioural expressions of the animals, and about owner-dog interactions, obtained from both the owner and our own observation. Treatment consisted of 1) avoiding eliciting stimull, 2) optimizing owner-dog communication, 3) adaptation of the owner's punishing threats to the dog's response to punishment, and 4) for a certain period fitting the dog with a choker chain connected to a leash during the day. The behaviour of the dogs improved (55; 75%), remained unchanged (13; 18%), or deteriorated (5; 7%). In conclusion: fear-motivated aggression in dogs is likely to be more frequent than generally is assumed. Growling or biting in a low posture towards both adults and children, especially when the animals were approached or touched inside the house, were the main characteristics on which the diagnosis fear-motivated aggression was based. Therapy, mainly based on optimizing communication between owner and dog, proved significantly effective.
In the United Kingdom, each year many companion animal (pet) caregivers (owners) hand over dogs to shelters for rehoming. Studies conducted in the United States and Australia have shown that accommodation issues and problematic behaviors are the most common reasons for dogs to be relinquished. The purpose of this study was to provide a clearer understanding of common characteristics of relinquished dogs in the United Kingdom. A descriptive study conducted during 2005 collected data on 2,806 dogs relinquished to Dogs Trust's rehoming centers in the United Kingdom. The most common reasons for dogs to be relinquished were their problematic behaviors and their need for more attention than the owner could provide. The results of this study identify several common characteristics of relinquished dogs as well as differences between its results and those found in studies conducted in the United States and Australia. An improved knowledge of characteristics of relinquished dogs should inform the development of strategies for improved management of the rehoming process.
Companion dogs commonly experience states of anxiety, fears, and phobias. Separation anxiety and noise aversions, as discussed in this article, are especially prevalent. Veterinarians are encouraged to recognize and treat such conditions on first presentation to address welfare issues and optimize successful management. New data suggest new treatment modalities, including behavioral management, pharmacotherapy, and species-specific pheromone use. Failure to treat can result in disruption of the human-animal bond and subsequent abandonment, relinquishment, or even euthanasia of the affected dog.
In a retrospective study involving 42 dogs, it was concluded that the objectionable male behavioral patterns of roaming, fighting with other males, urine marking in the house, and mounting of other dogs or people are amenable to alteration by other castration in adulthood. Roaming was reduced in 90% of the dogs.
Many social species, including dogs, exhibit distress responses when separated from attachment figures. Companion dogs with separation anxiety typically eliminate, vocalize, or engage in destructive behavior when left alone. The ability to differentiate separation anxiety from other behavior problems with the same presenting complaint is essential before embarking on a treatment plan. The behavior of the dog before, during, and after separation must be determined. Comparison of the unique behavioral profiles of each of the possible differentials will lead to an accurate diagnosis.
The treatment of 133 dogs with behavioural problems is reviewed. The problems most frequently presented concerned aggressive behaviour and/or fear (agonistic behaviour). The combination of problems of dominance and problem behaviour stimulating conditioning (PBSC) was a diagnosis made significantly more often than others. The owner's inability to control the dog appeared to be associated primarily with aggression, but also with fear, in the dog. In aggression as well as in fear, reinstatement of the appropriate ranking order was the usual goal of therapy. In cases of aggression the results of treatment were considered good or fair in 42 percent of the cases, moderate in 11, and bad in 41 percent of the cases. In those involving fear, the results were good or fair in 52 percent of the cases, moderate in 15, and bad in 25 percent. Hence treatment was only moderately successful. This reflects the need for more reliable and valid knowledge about symptoms, diagnostic methods and therapeutic possibilities.
Cat and dog owners appear to be equally attached to their pets, engage in similar behaviors, and hold similar opinions regarding their pets. The universality and strength of this attachment may be because household pets fit into the biological attachment system that exists to bond parents and children. Additionally, pets may convey a feeling of security or a sense of well-being that is rooted in our evolutionary past.
One-hundred-and-twelve small animal veterinarians and 56 dog care professionals were asked to rate the behavioural characteristics of 49 breeds of dog, and to compare males and females by means of a 13-point questionnaire. From their replies, factor analysis was used to extract three underlying traits, labelled aggressivity, reactivity and immaturity. On the basis of these traits, eight groups of breeds were derived. Membership of these groups did not correspond exactly with any of the four existing breed classification systems (Mégnin, the Fédération Cynologique International, ancient breeds and Kennel Club of Great Britain), but significant differences between Kennel Club groups were found on all three traits. Male dogs were rated higher than females on both aggressivity and immaturity; the components of reactivity were also rated higher in males, apart from the demand for affection which was rated higher in females. Females were also considered easier to train than males.